Maybe in this tour of duty, Anders Eriksson will actually suit up for the Calgary Flames.

Eriksson, who signed a one-year contract with the Flames just before the lockout but never actually played for the team, or even attended a training camp, signed again with the club yesterday, inking a two-year pact.

It gives the Flames seven d-men under contract with considerable NHL experience, as well as restricted free agent Mark Giordano.

Eriksson, a 6-ft.-2., 220-lb. product of Sweden, has played 491 games with Detroit, Chicago, Florida, Toronto, and Columbus.

Originally drafted by the Red Wings, 22nd overall in 1993, Eriksson was part of the Detroit club that captured the 1998 Stanley Cup.

MUCK IN LEAFS SIGHTS

John Muckler is next in line for an interview with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment as the mega-sports empire continues its search for a senior advisor to help out the hockey club's GM, John Ferguson.

A source told The Canadian Press the interview with MLSE was to be held as early as today.

A call to Muckler was not immediately returned yesterday.

Muckler, 73, was replaced as Ottawa Senators GM by head coach Bryan Murray after the season and declined a chance to stay on as a consultant.

MLSE would have needed permission from the Senators to interview Muckler.

Sens owner Eugene Melnyk hasn't blocked any attempt from any other team to talk to Muckler.

"We have received inquiries from more than one team and permission has certainly been granted," Senators president and CEO Roy Mlakar said yesterday, while not naming which teams.

"It was never Mr. Melnyk's intention to ever hold anybody back, particularly someone we hold in as high esteem as John Muckler."